Morgan slams "weasel" Abramovich as Chelsea boss steps back amid Putin links

Piers Morgan has hit out at what he has described as "weasel words" from Roman Abramovich after the Chelsea owner announced he was handing over the stewardship of the football club.

Abramovich, who has been involved with the Carabao Cup finalists since 2003, issued a statement revealing he would put the "stewardship and care" of the club in the hands of its charitable foundation.

The move from the 55-year-old comes at a time when he continues to be accused of having links with Russian premier Vladimir Putin - something which Abramovich denies - with Russian actions in Ukraine prompting strong statements from a number of individuals and bodies across the footballing spectrum.

Broadcaster Morgan has now launched a stringing criticism of the Chelsea chief, calling on the oligarch to condemn Putin's actions outright.

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"During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.," Abramovich's statement on the Chelsea website reads.

"I have always taken decisions with the Club's best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea's charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

"I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans."

Morgan's response was to describe Abramovich's statement as "weasel words".

"Where is the condemnation of Putin's invasion of Ukraine?" he tweeted.

"If Abramovich really wants to prove he's not a Putin puppet, he should denounce the war loudly and clearly. But he won't….."

The broadcaster hit out at Putin directly in a further tweet, separate from his comments about Abramovich.

"With every second that this war continues, [Ukrainian] President Zelensky's reputation as a strong, brave, inspiring leader soars at the same speed as President Putin's reputation for being a vile, cowardly, bully-boy thug," Morgan wrote.

The latest developments come in a week when Russia 's actions in Ukraine have prompted the Polish and Swedish football associations to announce their national teams would not play against Russia in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski said "I can't imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues," echoing a statement from his country's FA.

Lewandowski and his teammates had been due to face Russia in their play-off semi-final on March 24, with the winner facing either Sweden or the Czech Republic for a place at Qatar 2022.

And the Swedish FA announced they would not fulfil a game against Russia regardless of where it takes place.